Keeping Energy Costs down in Winter 2018

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Oct2018

The shorter days, colder temperatures and icy mornings may signal the start of winter to some, but they also mark a huge rise in your bills. Come October, energy bills can begin to double and even treble for some families compared to the summer months. And, while parents start to think of a certain December 25th visitor, the need to pinch pennies, becomes very real.

This considerable increase in energy use comes at a cost to families and the environment. While it is understandable that heating bills rise, there are ways to curb the hike somewhat. Given that the UK still sources the majority of electric from Gas and Coal, reductions benefit both the bill payers and the earth. At Re-Gen, we are constantly striving to reduce waste in terms of disposables, machinery used and even how we work. We’ve offered some simple suggestions for a more energy efficient household.

One Degree of Change

It has been repeated time and time again, by lowering your thermostat by just one degree can make a huge difference. On average a UK household would save £74 a year by changing the thermostat from 20 to 19 degrees. In 2018, we can have more than just timers and thermostats in our homes, using smart heating controls can cut bills by £10 per month. These controls allow you to heat the areas of your home that are being used more often and adjust temperatures accordingly.

Some heating providers even offer digital thermostats which regulate your home heating based on online weather reports!

Bright ideas

When it comes to reducing your energy usage, lighting becomes a more significant factor as the days get shorter. This is made more of a problem when lights are left on, and old bulbs are used. According to Which, a traditional lightbulb costs £8.42 to power each year, whereas a LED bulb costs just £1.71. LED bulbs are also inexpensive to buy and cover their own costs in months.

So, even in a busy home where the occasional light is left on, LED's reduce your bills and output by running off 90% less power. Unfortunately, older incandescent light bulbs aren't recyclable and need to be out in rubbish. If you are getting rid of newer bulbs, be sure to check local recycling guidelines.

Energy eating monsters

Even in a home where you are trying to recycle and be energy aware, there may be appliances working against you. Old fridges, washing machines and tumble dryers can all push your energy usage through the roof. When selecting a home appliance, it is essential you consider the energy efficiency rating. The cost in the short term may seem cheaper, but an energy efficient washing machine alone could reduce bills by over £100 per year.

Around your home, there will also be less visible electrical leaks in the form of standby. It is vital that your family or housemates understand the difference between standby and off, as it is often just a lazy habit. It's also a costly habit and can help you complete smaller greener actions for your home.

Learn more, save more

At Re-Gen we believe waste education is vital in helping people waste less. To stay abreast of widescale waste changes or simply learn tips for around your home, follow us on Twitter or like our Facebook page.